Butcher shuts up shop

A Cambridgeshire butcher’s is to close up as a retail outlet after 140 years in business, due to falling trade.

However, Browns, located in Stilton near Peterborough, will still retain its internet presence, with deliveries nationwide.

Peter Harper, who co-runs the outlet with Matthew Brown, the great great grandson of the shop’s founder, commented: “Long-established businesses have built their reputations by providing what their customers want – and Browns has been doing that for five generations.

“But, unfortunately, evolution happens. The shop has had to relocate three or four times over the years to combat that, but lately, we have been coming under unreasonable pressure from the supermarkets, and the recession is hitting customer bases right across the country.

“We will continue to deliver to customers all over the UK, but there is not enough footfall to keep the shop open.

“The main downside is that we will lose six or seven members of staff who have been the most dedicated and committed staff anyone could ask for.”

Browns’ founder Richard Brown opened his first shop in King’s Cliffe in 1870.

Peter has two other shops of his own in Suffolk and Bedfordshire, which are not affected.

Commenting on the closure, local Cambridgeshire county councillor Nick Guyatt commented: “Browns has been in the area for a very long time, and it’s a terrible shame that such a long-established firm has been forced to close.

“Their loss of business has been through no fault of their own. They have tried to change their business pattern, but it hasn’t worked so well in these straitened times.”